“But if the enemy conducts any assault or attack against you during these days, stand ready to robustly protect and defend yourselves and your territory,” the statement said.
The foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan called on the Afghan Taliban on Friday to reaffirm its commitment to achieving a negotiated settlement for lasting peace in Afghanistan.
In a joint statement issued after talks in Istanbul, the three ministers underlined “the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire” to end the violence and “provide a conducive atmosphere” for peace talks.
In a message comemorating Pakistan Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told his counterpart Prime Minister Imran Khan that his country desires mutually cordial relations.
Prime Minister Modi stated in his letter that "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan", adding that "For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative."
“Pakistan is committed to a peaceful neighbourhood, the onus is now on India to create the right conditions. We urge the US to play its role,” Asad Majeed Khan said.
He also asked the Joe Biden administration to make a new approach to deal with a new and transformed Pakistan.
“Taliban violence is much higher than historical norms,” Miller told Reuters. “It just doesn’t create the conditions to move forward in what is hopefully a historic turning point for Afghanistan.”
The United States military has met its goal of reducing the number of troops in Afghanistan to about 2500, as ordered by President Trump in November.
President-elect Biden has advocated retaining a small counter-terrorism force in Afghanistan, in an effort to ensure that extremist groups like Al-Qaeda are unable to launch attacks on the United States.
